to thine self be true

If i have only learned one thing while living in colorado, it is that there is nothing more important than being completely true to my own morals and values.
Today, whilst walking around the meadows and hanging with amy, i saw a simple silver cuff with those words engraved on them. There were only two hanging on the model. First, i called kat to tell her as that has been her mantra for as long as i have known her. Then, as i told amy about them she suggested that we get them as "best friends" bracelets. As cheese-ball as that sounds, that is the best idea i have heard in a long time. Amy and i have become so close so quickly. It's funny. When she started in her newest position i didn't have enough faith in her. Her success taught me that there is nothing greater gift a person can give than their honest faith. I thought that she could do the technical part of the job but i was worried about her ability to connect as a supervisor with a group a students who were initially her peers. She has taught me that as long as i can hold on to my confidence and determiniation, there is nothing that i can not do. She has taught me that as long as i remember who i am, the values that i hold dear, and my convictions as a professional, there is nothing that i cannot accomplish. She has taught me that the only critic who matters is myself. If i can do my job well and fall asleep with a smile on my face then i have done a good job. She has taught me that i need to do all that i can do in every situation so that i can say, "there is nothing left for me to do." She has been a model leader and shown me the definition of leading by example. Mostly, she has made me laugh so hard, every day; and she has been one of the most consistent ears and shoulders and compassionate souls i ahve had here.
i can't believe that i ever doubted her.
i can't believe i have to learn to live without her constant presence in oregon.